Rafael Benitez has emerged as a surprise favourite to become the new Barcelona boss.

Liverpool's Spanish coach finds himself in huge demand back home, with the Catalan club leading what could prove to be a four-way fight for his services.

Benitez has been identified as the man to replace current Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, who looks certain to leave the Nou Camp in the summer.

Johan Cruyff has already made a report to president Juan Laporta, urging the club to ignore the claims of Jose Mourinho and instead pursue Benitez, whose tenure at Anfield is far from certain. Cruyff holds no official role at the Nou Camp but he is Laporta's closest adviser.

The Liverpool manager could have a choice of destinations should he decide to leave England in the summer, with Real and Atletico Madrid vying for his services along with former club Valencia.

Atletico have already sounded out the Spaniard while Real are far from certain to keep current coach Bernd Schuster following their disappointing Champions League exit.